American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.